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Goalball is a team sport for athletes with visual impairments, originally devised in 1946 as a means of assisting the rehabilitation of visually impaired World War II veterans. It is played by two teams of three using a ball with bells inside. The object of the game is to throw the ball into the opposing team's net while defenders attempt to block it with their bodies.

After being introduced to the sport and learning the basics while blindfolded, the five All Blacks players: Damian McKenzie, Waisake Naholo, Ardie Savea, Lima Sopoaga and Codie Taylor teamed up with AIG, Endeavour Fund and RNIB players and went head to head in a series of matches.

RuTC Supported Learning students Georgia Herdman, Paige Ikin, Melisa Showsmith and Yan Rudnicki had the opportunity to meet players from the New Zealand All Blacks. The event took place the day before the All Black defeated the Barbarians at Twickenham Stadium.

Mark Brough, Sports Development and Facilities Manager at RuTC commented, “It was a pleasure to once again host an AIG sport event at the college. The students and members of the sports team attending enjoyed finding out more about the sport and afterwards expressed an interest in introducing the sport at the college. Students and staff were grateful for the opportunity to attend and have the opportunity to meet some of the players.“

Sarah Davies, Corporate Citizenship and Events Manager at AIG further commented, “We were thrilled to work with RuTC. You provided a fantastic location for the session and it was great to be immersed in the Richmond upon Thames community once again. The players thoroughly enjoyed meeting the students and wish them all the best with their future careers.”